Myrna Buchanan building a legacy brick by brick

For more than three decades, Myrna Buchanan has been building more than just structures, she has been constructing a legacy in an industry where women are rarely seen leading the charge.

Although her journey in construction was not what she envisioned for herself years ago, At 54, this powerhouse mother and grandmother has shattered expectations, proving that in the world of construction, it's not about gender - it's about skill, grit, and determination.

However, Buchanan's journey into construction began long before she ever considered it a career. As the eldest daughter of a contractor, she grew up accompanying her father to job sites, absorbing the intricacies of the trade. Despite this early exposure, she never envisioned following in his footsteps. Instead, encouraged by her stepmother, she initially pursued clothing and textile, developing expertise in crafting drapes and stylish outfits. However, she quickly realised it wasn't her passion and shifted her focus to accounting and started studying at Binns Business College in Spanish Town, St Catherine.

"I always had a love for numbers and problem-solving, so accounting seemed like the right thing for me at the time," Buchanan explained.

But after she lost her father at age 21, Buchanan decided some recalibration was necessary. At age 22, she made the bold decision to stop pursuing a career in accounting, opting instead to step into her father's shoes to carry on his legacy.

"I don't know how to explain it, I just knew it was the right thing to do and it made me feel like although he was gone, by doing this a part of him would always live on inside me," she said.

Shortly after, she started working for Frankarr Construction Company in Negril, where she expanded on the foundation her father had given her. While there she honed her skills, delving deeper into various aspects of construction. And, over the years, she evolved from an apprentice learning the ropes to a full-fledged contractor overseeing major projects.

After over three decades in the industry, Buchanan, a skilled mason and carpenter, has built a solid reputation as a respected contractor, playing a key role in the development of hotels, homes, and commercial buildings throughout Jamaica. She expertly reads blueprints and manages construction sites to ensure every project runs smoothly from start to finish.

Despite her success, she acknowledged that the journey has not always been easy and although she earned the respect of many Jamaican engineers and construction workers, her experience with some foreign workers has been different at times.

"There are some who look at me and say, 'Wow, normally the women in my country do office jobs or they're housewives,' so they are shocked in a good way to see me as a woman doing a man's job. But then there are some who refuse to work with me because they believe I won't do a good job just because I am a woman," she said.

Still Buchanan refuses to let challenges deter her. In fact, she is never afraid to get her hands dirty when necessary. So, if a task needs to be completed and no one is available, she does it without hesitation.

"If I have to render a wall, I will. If I have to mix cement, I will," she said confidently.

"I love every bit of what I do," she added.

She also encouraged other women interested in working in male dominated fields to never be afraid to break barriers and pursue the career of their dreams.

"If this is something you really want to do, do it! Don't let anybody stop you. If this is your dream, go after it. Yes, you will have to work hard, and yes, you will have to prove yourself, but don't let anyone discourage you," Buchanan said.